Hormone Melatonin

Definition

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain that regulates sleep-wake cycles and helps to synchronize our internal body clock with external environmental cues, such as light and darkness.

Related terms

Circadian Rhythm:

Our internal biological clock that regulates various physiological processes over approximately 24 hours.

Pineal Gland:

A small endocrine gland located deep within the brain that produces melatonin.

Light-Dark Cycle: The natural cycle of light and darkness in the environment that influences the production and release of melatonin.